The Consequences of the Evolution of Science and Society
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
The concept of unintended consequences has always fascinated me. As modern society has sought to improve lives – medically, economically and technologically – unforeseen outcomes have affected us as dramatically as the original intended results.
Examples abound, and seem to be increasing:
- Banning DDT in the 1970s. Over the years, its widespread use in agriculture assuredly saved many from hunger. Yet, in undeveloped countries, the cessation of spraying mosquito-infested wetlands with this carcinogenic product caused an increase in the mosquito population. This practice led to the unanticipated and unintended deaths of millions infected with fatal malaria.
- The advance of technology. This still unfolding story may have the greatest unintended consequences in the social history of humankind. Less than 25 years ago, our interaction with each other was primarily visual and auditory. Today, across the globe we’re evolving into beings who communicate via smartphone keyboards and touch screens.
We’re increasingly becoming slaves to smartphone “pings.” They are affecting our psyches and raising stress levels. In our every waking moment we are becoming addicted to reacting to the latest e-mail, text message and tweet, or consumed in downloading the latest apps.
Our minds are becoming like pablum as we no longer rely on our sensory perception of the world; there’s an app for that. Certainly, the increase in productivity over the past quarter-century has been significant, but I wonder what consequences lie ahead as we increase our use of and reliance on technology?
- The new French paradox. A number of French winemakers adhere to organic grape-growing techniques, eschewing the marvels – and shortcomings – of man-made chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides. Organic winemaking has grown significantly over the last decade, with popular support for the health of vineyards, global farmlands, the atmosphere and wine consumers.
Several years ago, the French government decided that these organic practices were having an unintended consequence on French wines.
The background: The French government set a goal to reduce the use of pesticides by 50 percent in the next decade, and for good reason. A French laboratory test of 92 bottles of wine found small (non-lethal) traces of pesticides in all 92 bottles, a number of which were organically produced. Another, unrelated, laboratory test of 300 bottles found pesticides in over 90 percent of them.
This startling result for organic wines may be attributable to shifting winds that carry air-borne pesticides from non-organic vineyards to those sustained organically, and higher than normal rainfall in certain years that carry atmospheric-trapped pesticides across a wide swath of vineyards. Also startling was the finding of trace amounts of two illegal chemicals.
The unintended consequence: Decreasing the use of pesticides resulted in a growth in the population of the leafhopper insect capable of carrying a disease that can destroy entire grape crops.
But that wasn’t the only consequence.
How did the French government respond to this devastating threat?
How did the French government compensate for the unintended consequence caused by the proliferation of the leafhopper insect?
A simple, yet paradoxical, solution. It forced grape growers to spray pesticides to control the leafhopper – even the organic farmers. The consequences for non-compliance were substantial: a fine of $40,000 and six months in jail.
At least one organic farmer – in Burgundy – was prosecuted. This organic and biodynamic farmer, Emmanuel Giboulot, has steadfastly avoided the use of chemicals in his vineyards.
Evidence of his diligence is self-evident. His vineyards have not suffered from the debilitating disease carried by the leafhopper insect. Yet he faced potential governmental prosecution for his practices. This action prompted wide debate and support for Giboulot, resulting in no criminal action and the uninterrupted continuance of his farming practices.
Yes, unintended consequences occur in a number of unusual ways. The French government has topped them all by self-creating new unintended consequences in an attempt to address previous self-created unintended consequences. Another example of a well-intentioned bureaucracy ultimately making matters worse.
Nick Antonaccio is a 45-year Pleasantville resident. For over 25 years, he has conducted wine tastings and lectures. Nick is a member and program director of the Wine Media Guild of wine journalists. He also offers personalized wine tastings and wine travel services. Nick’s credo: continuous experimenting results in instinctive behavior. You can reach him at nantonaccio@theexaminernews.com or on Twitter @sharingwine.
